“I give grace because I so desperately need it.” – Lysa Terkeurst
A few weeks ago, I came down with Covid. This was the worst timing, as I was in the process of transferring to the Downtown campus, finding new curriculum for Sunday School, cleaning out my office and organizing everything for the new Director of Children’s Ministry at the Edmond Campus. I was sick and overwhelmed, but thankfully a sweet friend came to my rescue; even when I was helpless and couldn’t assist with the effort of cleaning and organizing the mess that I had made. And let me tell you… this was no small task!
Office organization is not my skill. So, the closet and office clean-out were not for the faint of heart. My friend, Lindsay, didn’t say, “This is your mess!” She said, “This is a way I can help you and serve my church!” With those words, much of my guilt and anxiety went away. Lindsay’s demonstration of love and grace, at a time when I needed it, made a huge impact on my entire outlook, and made these tasks seem not so overwhelming. It was exactly what I needed while feeling overwhelmed by what I was facing. I can think of many other times that I was faced with challenges, and someone showed me grace that helped change my entire outlook on the situation.
During this season of Lent and beyond, I’m going to challenge myself (and you) to show grace intentionally in everyday situations when you see someone is struggling or overwhelmed. And not just grace, but active grace. Think about what you can do to lessen another’s burden. An overwhelmed parent might need a babysitter for an afternoon. Someone who lives alone might need a phone call or visit. One who recently lost a loved one might enjoy a handwritten note or plate of cookies.
How can you help someone who is overwhelmed?
“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
– Matthew 25:35-40
Taylor Easttom, Downtown Campus Director of Children’s Ministry
